This weekend’s winter storm has been especially unique and challenging. After several inches of snow fell on Saturday, Sunday’s sleet (or more technically, “graupel”) created a thick layer of ice on top of the snow, making conditions much more difficult than a typical snowfall.
Our maintenance crews have been working consistently since Saturday to keep roads and facilities safe. As you are well aware, temperatures have remained in the twenties and below. At these low temperatures, salt is unfortunately not an effective tool for melting snow and ice.
Our crews did an excellent job throughout the weekend plowing primary and secondary roads to keep them open and passable. However, as time has passed, the ice has become even harder and more difficult to remove. At this point, standard plow trucks are no longer able to effectively clear the remaining snow and ice.
We are now relying on heavier equipment — including backhoes and front loaders — to chip through the ice and remove compacted snow. This process is much slower, but we are continuing to work our way through town to widen streets as much as possible. We are hauling as much of the snow as we can, but time, trucks, and dump space are all limited.
Sidewalk clearing has also been very difficult. This storm has produced snow and ice that is nearly impossible to manage with shovels. We have rented smaller equipment to assist with clearing sidewalks, but in many areas snowbanks are now 25 inches or more due to what was pushed off the streets during plowing. Progress will be slow but steady.
Our crews are working hard to ensure safe roads and facilities for everyone. In fact, we delayed opening the Recycling Center today due to concerns about a large sheet of ice on the metal roof. Employees used a bucket truck to remove the ice safely so that it would not slide down and injure a visitor or staff member.
As our crews focus on the work of snow removal and with so much snow still blanketing yards, we have decided to delay large item pickup to the week of February 9. Please do not set out items until then.
We share all of this to assure you that we are working hard and will continue working hard, but this has truly been a one-of-a-kind storm. Cleanup will take time, and we appreciate your patience and understanding. The conditions here are among the best in the area, and we will keep making them better.
As always, please continue being the loving neighbors that make Bridgewater such a special community. Many residents are struggling to clear driveways and walkways. If you are able, consider lending a helping hand to someone nearby.